The Fake News of Pilates
Pilates World, we have a problem. An image problem, that is. Do a quick internet search for “Pilates.” What images do you see? My bet is you’re looking at a very attractive, thin, midriff exposed female. Possibly someone wearing $125 yoga tights with a cute sports bra and a big smile. I guarantee there’s no sweat to be seen and her makeup is spot on. It’s these types of images that get thousands of “likes” on social media, validating the worthiness of the poster as the embodiment of “Pilates perfection.”
Only, guess what? There is no “perfection” in Pilates. Instead, what you’re seeing is a carefully crafted studio pic serving to highlight the featured person (or her fashionable garb), not Pilates. And unfortunately, such pictures have become the image of Pilates today. So many people out there associate Pilates with super skinny, yoga-tights-wearing, tall and lean celebrities or socialites. Because THAT’S WHAT THEY SEE. While the exercise form and practice of Pilates are certainly for these women, as they are for all men and women, these “beautiful people” actually make up only a fraction of Pilates practitioners. Pilates is for everyone, but with the inundation of “glam-lates” in the media, the feelings of accessibility, ability, and potential benefits may not appear applicable for all us “regular folk”- who can certainly enjoy this amazing form of exercise and movement.
Have you ever noticed how often media images of Pilates feature someone using very expensive equipment in a trendy, ultra-chic studio? While this may look exciting and appealing, these images also promote the impression that Pilates is for those with plenty of expendable income. It’s true that equipment-based Pilates sessions can be pricey. But even when your finances require that you limit the frequency of Pilates sessions on the equipment, mat Pilates is very accessible and just as challenging (if not more so!). In fact, you don’t even need a mat! You don’t need to wear name-brand clothing or a fancy studio. You just need to be open to the opportunity of learning to move more efficiently and effectively. But these days, unfortunately, the unspoken messages on social media and the internet suggest that Pilates is an elite activity most suitable for the “haves” and perhaps not for all the rest of us who don’t quite match an idealized image.
While we’re at it, current media also shows a strong gender, race, and age bias in Pilates. Let’s not forget that Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates who demonstrated that the benefits of practicing as he instructed are not limited to females. Most men can benefit from re-balancing muscle groups (big strong upper body, mini sized lower body), increasing flexibility (tight hamstrings or pecs, anyone?), and building a stronger TOTAL core (not just that glorious six pack). And, as we know, Pilates is great for addressing balance issues, proprioception, and motor control limitations. We also know that these neuromuscular concerns increase as we age. Seniors can absolutely benefit from this low-impact, challenging, and neurologically stimulating form of exercise. And there are plenty movers with all ranges of skin tones who are doing AMAZING and unbelievable things in Pilates. But the sad reality is that their demographic is almost absent in the interweb’s postings!
If we take away the superficial and remove ego from the equation of all that IS Pilates, we can focus on the WHO. Who can benefit from Pilates? Here it is quite simply: Anyone who wants to move better, experience less pain, rehab an injury, prevent an injury, maintain strong bones, address balance and coordination concerns, build strength and increase flexibility, and improve body awareness and confidence. No matter what your fitness or wellness goals are, I’ll bet that there’s a Pilates program for you.
So, what is a Pilates lover to do? For starters, let’s promote making personal progress as our goal and discontinue seeking unattainable perfection. Perfectionism hinders true growth, satisfaction, and happiness. I am beginning a new social media series where I will feature authentic, lovely, imperfect people doing amazing things in Pilates. The trials and triumphs will be front and center, not the tank tops and falsies. I invite you to follow me on Instagram (@mindfulpilatesandwellness) and Facebook (facebook.com/mindfulpilatesandwellness) to see wonderful people in action.
In addition, I invite all Pilates movers to spread the word that Pilates is not a beauty movement for select people. This is about working hard and coming to love the skin you’re in. Pilates is a very transformative and therapeutic way to really make physical and mental gains. With an instructor who is thoughtful, creative, and safety-minded, those of us with less than “perfect” bodies can grow with each session. The sky’s the limit! To make this more accessible to others, I am beginning a new series of videos instructing various Pilates mat exercises. I invite you to try them and share them with others!
Finally, together, let’s change this social media narrative. Please consider posting images to social media that reflect you working hard not sitting pretty. If you’re filming and something is “off,” post it anyway. You will be way more relatable and attractive to the people out there who can truly benefit from all Pilates has to offer. And tag #mindfulpilatesandwellness in your pic or video- I’d love for us to partner in spreading the word that Pilates is for ALL.
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